there was a player running down the field with the ball. two defenders ran at him to pull the flag and the player with possession tried to split the two defenders. a 3 person collision ensued. however, the offensive player had the ball pop out of his hand and the defender grabbed the ball with a good heads up play BEFORE it struck the ground. the offensive player was not trying to pitch or lateral, the ball solely came loose as a result of the bigger collision. is this legal and is it considered a fumble and change in possession? reason i ask is because although i guess its a judgement call by the refs, it could open a door for people trying to intentionally strip or pop the ball loose rather than pull the flag. what do you guys think?

If the offensive player was making a football move and lost possession of the ball before any flag was pulled, then the ball is live until the ball hits the ground.

what if the ball popped loose due to a collision w/the opposing player?

Has to be a dead ball/no change of possession and/or impeding the runner/defensive penalty.

was called a fumble and change of possession last week

yeah the ref called it a fumble and gave the defense the possession. still is unbelievable what these guys see out there sometimes.

Don`t question it, put on the stripes and try calling a game. Its not as easy as you think it is.

One of the most consistent things about these refs is the stocky Tennessee Calf Ref has no clue what is going on.

hey, i`d try calling a game since i know the rules even when they do change.... all i ask is the same thing from the hired refs.

If the flags were pulled, dead ball period. It looks and sounds like the flag was pulled first. If the flag was not pulled and a collison occured, live ball (unless the ball hits the ground.) Stop beating up the refs and learn how to play and learn the rules. READING IS FUNDAMENTAL.

I`ve watched you guys play and I think that alot of you suck ass. Especially My Plumber, VA`s Finest, they suck big time. I wouldn`t talk about the refs they didn`t drop balls or cause interceptions, you shit heads did. I`ve played in this league for many years and as I get older the worst you bastards are. I`ve watch the refs miss calls but they have called the most fair games considering you ****s suck ass. Rob, you`re doing a great job running this league. MP & VA`s Finest, take your wanna be asses and play some other sport like checkers. OK have a great day.